Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 1, 2015)

Joss Whedon is already hard at work on the development of the sequel, and filming has begun. The plot will feature the birth of Ultron, but it will be an original take based on the Marvel universe created by the films, and not specifically drawing on any one comic story arc. Whedon has claimed that the film will be darker than the original, and has hinted that this is part of a long planned trilogy. With Robert Downey Jr. confirming that he will appear in both Avengers 2 and 3, this seems to be the case.

The main cast from the first film will return, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson. They will be joined by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen, who will play the newest Avengers Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, respectively – both characters will be unique to the Marvel Studios universe, and will be unrelated to the X-Men versions. James Spader has been cast as Ultron, and while it hasn’t been announced how Whedon is planning on filming the character, with Hulk in The Avengers Ruffalo acted out all of his character’s parts while wearing a motion capture suit. Whedon has also claimed that his Ultron will be a character “with pain.”

The signing of Downey Jr. also defuses the possibility that some of the other actors, who were asking for a raise, won’t be replaced. Downey Jr. had stated he wouldn’t re-sign without them.

Sam Rockwell’s character of Justin Hammer from Iron Man 2 may appear.

The Avengers 2 may feature a few other Marvel characters who could then receive their own films. Dr. Strange has been mentioned.

Whedon has said that Tom Hiddleston’s Loki will not appear in the film, but Kevin Feige refused to comment on it. [7/25/13]

Ms. Marvel, who is now known as Captain Marvel in the comics, may be introduced, and Whedon has confirmed that he would like to see more female Avengers.

Other Marvel characters previously introduced, including Don Cheadle as War Machine and Ray Stevenson as Volstagg, may appear.

Despite claims that Jeremy Renner would quit the role of Hawkeye or that he may be fired, both Renner and Hawkeye will appear in the sequel. [7/23/13]

Whedon has confirmed that Hank Pym, the creator of Ultron in the comics and a member of the Avengers, will not appear. [7/22/13]

Even before starting work on the first film, Whedon hoped to see Ultron as the villain of the second film. [7/22/13]

The teaser shown at Comic-Con features Iron Man’s mask being reformed into Ultron’s head. That seems to suggest that Tony Stark somehow factors in to Ultron’s creating. [7/25/13]

Feige stated that one of the best things about the Avengers in the comics is the shifting roster, suggesting the team may change significantly over the sequels. [7/25/14]

Whedon has promised a bigger role for the Black Widow. [7/25/13]

Whedon is not planning to include Agent Coulson in the sequel, although that could change. [7/25/13]

There is a chance an Avenger will die. Partly this stems from Whedon’s history of killing off characters. The director has joked about it, but he also claims that if there is a good reason (and it won’t interfere with Marvel’s other plans), it could happen [8/29/13]

The teaser that sent fans into convulsions at ComicCon is now online (see it below). [10/14/13]

Paul Bettany has been cast as the Vision. Bettany voiced the character of J.A.R.V.I.S., Tony Stark’s AI assistant in the Iron Man films. The casting seems to confirm that Vision will be created from J.A.R.V.I.S. In the comics Vision was created by Ultron, which would fit with what we know about the sequel. [2/7/14]

Kretschmann filmed a quick scene that introduces the character in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The actor has claimed that he signed on for multiple Marvel films. [3/2/14]

Korean actress Kim Soo Hyun has been cast in an undisclosed, but significant role. Marvel has claimed that revealing her role will constitute a “spoiler.” [3/7/14]

The Hulk will face off against “Hulkbuster” armor, which has a distinct Iron Man flair to it. [3/19/14]

Several images of the Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, and Hawkeye in action have been released. [3/22/14]